Russell DePersia is the author behind Seasons Change, an absorbing and captivating young adult sports drama that delves into the tumultuous world of player injuries and what happens in their aftermath. Following the success of Seasons Change, What We Reading sat down with Russell to talk about everything from his own sports background to his hopes for inspiring the next generation of athletes!
Thanks for speaking with us, Russell! First off, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to the world of writing.
I have a beautiful wife and four amazing children. I graduated from Rutgers Law School, and while I participated in college sports and boxed on the amateur and professional levels, as well as played semi-pro football, writing has always been a passion of mine. It has a freedom and limitlessness that no other creative process can match.
Talk to us about Seasons Change, specifically the events that inspired you to put pen to paper.
After spending time boxing and playing semi-pro football, I felt the need to get the story Seasons Change out to the world. I saw so many injuries that dramatically changed the direction of young people’s lives. Seasons Change encapsulates the theme that failed dreams can certainly be transformed into new dreams.
What is the number one goal you want your work to have with readers?
I want Seasons Change to reach as many young adults as possible with its positive inspirational messages about life.
What do you think makes you stand out as an author?
I bring real-life experiences to the characters in Seasons Change. It is written in a way that will appeal to young readers because it is so believable and real. At the same time, it is not only about sports but involves romance which will keep readers captivated and engaged.
What would you say has been your biggest success so far?
I have always been proud of the creation of Seasons Change. Seeing my story come to life both in the book and in the movie trailer has been tremendously rewarding.
If you could go back in time to one book you read for the first time, what would it be and why?
I have recently read The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. It is a book about the Civil War. I was amazed at how the author so accurately captured the harshness of the battlefield from the leaders’ perspectives. It was not only very well written, but it was a learning experience. When you read a book that enables you to travel easily into the events of the story, while also gaining incredible knowledge and insights, it is a win all the way around.
What’s one tip you would give your younger self if you had the opportunity?
I would tell my younger self to pause and take moments to enjoy the journey. At times, in the heat of conquering goals, it is very easy for anyone to get absorbed in the conquest of those goals and lose sight of the beauty of the path along the way.
And finally, what do you hope the future holds for you and your writing?
I hope that the messages that I put down on paper through my creative storytelling will continue to reach my audience in meaningful ways.
Follow Russell and all of his work on Amazon and Goodreads
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
